Thirty-Six

In a renewed political era of attacks on the transgender community Thirty-Six is a particularly important, timely and poignant performance. This is a deeply personal story of both the internal psychological struggles and the external social struggles associated with transgender experiences. The performance manages a range of sensitive issues such as transphobia, social alienation and suicide, all addressed in a candid and sometimes confronting manner. This willingness to deal with such levels of intimacy is brave and extremely generous and provides great insight into the particular pain, anguish, and joy that characterise their lives.

Bayley Turner’s central role in this endeavour is extremely demanding and the theatrical journey that she embarks on is an extremely emotional one. Turner keeps these emotions authentic and palpably genuine. It is difficult not to be swept away by the extremes of fear and elation she conveys. The joy of finding the courage to be true to oneself and then managing the social fallout is inspiring. Turner is also careful in the way she points out that journeys of transitioning can also be dangerous and life threatening. In this compelling and introspective story this is managed without conceding to despair. The performance delicately exposes the details of an existence that works hard to remain positive despite negotiating a reality that is often perilously close to death.

The staging and set design are particularly inventive. The use of screened backdrops and a strategic placement and use of microphones helps to focus attention on Turner’s captivating performance. The rawness of her sentiments is virtually placed under a microscope, and this enhances an already powerful and absorbing stage presence. Turner is flanked by the evocative and often heavenly vocals of Alexandra Amerides. This adds a haunting and alluring quality to the show that also underscores the intense beauty and vulnerability of the characters that are brought to life.

This production expertly examines and embodies a political and personal urgency that cannot be ignored.

Patricia Di Risio 

Photographer: James Reiser